One question I woul have for anyone who's gone through it before is will she be home tomorrow or is it an overnight stay usualy?
Ive taken a few days off so I'll be at home 24/7 to look after/keep an eye on her.

I know she'll be fine but she's my little girlie!

15th June 2010, 09:48 PM

Tania

If you have a look in the Cavalier Health Library (here) there is some very useful information and links regarding this problem. I do not have personal experience of surgery so I can't answer your question. I am sure someone here will know. I am sure everything will be fine and taking time of work to take care of her will make all the difference. Sending Lucy and you lots of hugs :hug:

15th June 2010, 09:58 PM

Jasperxxgabby

Sorry no advice, but I will certainly be thinking of Lucy (and you) tomorrow, sending my best wishes and loads of :hug:

15th June 2010, 10:00 PM

Nicki

When my Peaches had this op, she actually stopped in for 4 days as we lived a long way from the orthopaedic surgeon.

I would be surprised to have them home the same day - did the vet not discuss this with you?

You need to have a pen or similar ready - Lucy will not be allowed to jump and needs to be confined. Potty breaks on lead only for a few weeks - NO walks, no playing. You really need to give the knee time to heal, otherwise there is no point in doing the surgery.

Stuffed Kongs, nylabones, chewies - anything to keep her occupied without her moving about will really help. I guess those intelligence games by Nina Ottosson from the Company of Animals would actually be quite helpful!

15th June 2010, 10:26 PM

Dublin

Hi Nikki,

It's not my vet doing the surgery as we're having to go to the external vet Dogs Trust uses as we have no orthopedic equiptment at DT. They havent really told me much to be honest, I only know what ive read from people on here & other sites.

I have her crate up as well as baby gates as she's too quick to run up stares etc & ive bought her new 'special' chew toys that she'll get a new one each day to keep her interested as well as the usual kongs & raw hide chews.

I know its going to be a fairly long recovery & she will have to be confined which is going to be hard on her & the rest of us as she just wants to be with us all the time.

15th June 2010, 10:32 PM

Karlin

Wow that's a bit frustrating not to know! I would guess she probably won't be home the same day. Quite a few people have had the surgery so hopefully you will get some more responses. There are some good threads in the health and diet forum -- I know Cathy T for example posted a lot on managing a dog post-surgery. Searching for patella surgery or similar should bring up lots of discussions.

16th June 2010, 05:57 AM

mellie

My sweet Bella had both knees done last July. I bought an Xpen to keep her in so that she wouldn't have to be crated the whole time. I also found it difficult to get her out of the crate the first 4-5 days when she had such trouble getting up on her own. I used a long towel under her hips when I took her out to potty to help keep pressure off her knees. I would lift up on the towel as she walked, it made a world of difference for her. Otherwise she would just sit down due to the pain. I have heard of some surgeons not giving post op pain med. I would DEMAND that they give you some. It is a painfull recovery the first week. But Bella was wanting to run and jump after that! Of course they cant do either! My surgeon also recommended a E collar to keep her from licking her incisions, but she never messed with them, so we didnt need it! He also put her on a supplement for arthritis, and Glucosomine and Omega.
I wish you the best of luck with your baby! Its hard seeing our little ones in pain, but its so worth it in the long run. Please let us know how it goes!

16th June 2010, 10:31 AM

meljoy

No advice for you Im afraid but I'll be thinking of you to:hug:

16th June 2010, 12:50 PM

Dublin

Thanks guys!

Lucy is at the vets now & im home with Cass & Sparky worrying my head off about her!

I talked to the surgeon this morning when I left Lucy & he said in 90% of these surgeries the dog goes home the same day, he said the only reason he would keep her overnight is if she needs any extra pain relief by injection. ive to ring him at 2pm to see how everything went & whether she will be home tonight or not.

Ive been for a long walk with Cass & Sparky which was horrible without Lucy & I know it's going to be the first of a hell of a lot of lucy-less walks so I'll just have to put up with that!

Fingers crossed I have some info soon

16th June 2010, 04:10 PM

Sabby

Any news yet? I hope everything went ok and I hope Lucy will be home tonight.
I will ask you for advise as Ebony will have to have the same operation in autumn.